Only tobacco free employeess??

Nurses General Nursing

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What are your opinions on hospitals refusing to hire people that use tobacco (either chewing or smoking)? Do you know of any that have this policy?

Our medical center has no smoking in or out allowed but we have just created a policy that checks for tobacco in a UA. Those found positive cannot reapply for employment for one year.

I've never smoked but stories like this make me want to pick up the habit.

This is not about our health. This is about looking good and reducing insurance premiums.

If hospitals are so concerned about our health they would ensure we get our breaks and lunches, ensure that we had easily accessable lift equipment, and get rid of vending machines that are crammed full of junk food. They would mandate safe staffing ratios, instead of fighting it tooth and nail.

I know they use the excuse that smokers call in sick more. Okay, and nurses with young kids call in more as well. People with chronic illnesses call in a lot too. They going to weed those people out, as well?

Making smokers pay increased premiums is one thing, telling them they can't indulge in a completely legal activity in their time away from work is another. Next they'll be telling us how much we can weigh and how much we have to exercise.

Specializes in cardiac, ortho, med surg, oncology.

Smokers usually die sooner than the obese and ultimately cost less in medical costs than the obese so I think they should refuse to hire obese personnel if they are going to refuse to hire smokers. And IF it is about promoting a wellness image as most hospitals claim then all employees should be a healthy weight as well.

Obesity Poses Same If Not Greater Risks Than Smoking - Wellsphere

There is one hospital system in the Denver area that will not hire anyone that is not "tobacco free" for at least 90 days. I personally think it is ridiculous and would not want to work for a place that is going to do that. I know that as long as you do not do it at work or come to work smelling like an ashtray than that is your personal business. That is like saying "well we really cannot hire anyone that drinks alcohol" it is the same thing. I just cannot believe that these places are getting away with it......

Specializes in OR Hearts 10.

I pay higher ins premiums because my husband smokes, I don't mind. Of course they don't say it that way, non-smokers get a discount. At my last place of employment you also got a discount for having a normal BMI. My problem with that is I have an obese BMI when I wear a size 8 or 10, IMO that is not obese.

I have worked for an Oral Surgery office that only hired non-smokers, it's done all over.

Yes this has been the trend in my area for many years. Not new at all. It's about health, and health insurance risk pool.

It's good to smoke-free hospitals but to discriminate employees based on one's lifestyle is unfair.

It is just fair to implement not to smoke within the hospital premises but shouldn't I have the right to smoke when I am in bars or in my OWN apartment?

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Specializes in Pedi Rehab,Pediatrics, PICU.

There are a few hospitals in the PA area that do not hire smokers. If you fail the UA, the waiting period varies from 90 days to 6mos. They swear that second hand smoke doesn't test positive. But you may not request a second testing for a positive result "unless the sample supplied was dilute"; which in that case, you'd be required to submit a second sample within 24 hrs.

Personally as a non-smoker, I think the policy is ridiculous. Especially since nicotine use is legal as is alcohol. But UDS routinely check for alcohol as well. Unfortunately it was deemed way back to somewhere around my birth that smokers/tobacco users were not a "protected" population and no special consideration is given.

IDK whats next. Maybe I'll be denied a job for being fat instead of being a new/newer grad, or ASN instead of BSN:eek:

Specializes in NICU Level III.
Is it possible this allows for cheaper employee health insurances rates for the hospital?

Nope not ours. They said it stayed the same this year but if you look closely, deductibles and copays went up. What we pay out of our check for it stayed the same. Ugh.

Specializes in NICU Level III.
I don't care if you choose to smoke...that is your decision. I should NOT have to smell it on you while at work nor should the patients.

I'm not talking about smelling like it. We already have a policy on smelling neutral and using deodorant. If someone doesn't smoke, they can still smell like smoke if they live with a smoker. If they want to go out and have a cigar every now and then, that is their choice. If it doesn't interfere with their ability to perform their duties, it should not be an issue. It's also chewing tobacco. I agree they should pay higher premiums, but to not consider them for hire isn't right. I'm curious about second hand smoke showing up in the UA, too. If you live with someone that smokes heavily indoors or in the car, surely it does.

Specializes in General adult inpatient psychiatry.

That's an interesting concept. My hospital has been smoke free since I started and while I know we offer options through Employee Health to help with quitting such as the Patch or Nicorette gum, I do not know of policy of checking and screening smokers.

I tried to obtain an insurance policy and although I did not quit smoking prior to the physical, I cut down alot. My nicotine level was still high (8.2, I think) I told the rep I lived with a smoker and she said the level would be

A hospital in texas went smoke free in January this year and when I was there in March they still had a smoking area for patients and employees. That was so nice!!!

:smokin:

Specializes in Peri-Op.

Our hospital only allows employees to smoke if they walk off of the hospital property and are clocked out. Not any sort of UA though. lol.... that is freakin stupid and I think someone should get a class action type of suit formed. It would be hard to do given the fact that employers can pick and choose who they want to but I think they cross the line with descriminating against a certain group of people in general.

The city of San Antonio tried to ban smoking in public places, there was a lawsuit filed against them and they could not pass it. All they could do is make it harder for smokers to smoke in public places or make it harder for public places to allow smokers to smoke there. Resteraunts either now have to offer an area that is enclosed by 3 walls and a partial wall for smokers to sit in that is seperate from the non smoking section. The majority of places complied with this and allow smoking still but there are quite a few smoke free restaurants. Bars/nightclubs were exempt from this ordinance......

I am personally totally disgusted by smokers and smoking in general but i think it takes it too far to not employee them. I can honestly say I only have one smoker that works for me..... not sure why this is but she smokes 3 times a day on her breaks...... no biggie. These hospitals/organizations are really walking a fine line of stepping on peoples civil/personal rights though. I think a lawsuit is in order and some sort of line needs to be draw. I would be mad if someone said I couldnt work at a hospital because I have a bmi of 28 or because I snowboard or travel by plane or drive more than 30k a year..... where do you draw the line? I saw any time they impose restrictions on what you can and cant do on your off time that is legal.

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